Seducing the Devil

Tessa danced around the kitchen, her happiness immeasurable as she cooked with all the love in her heart.

Why was she this happy?

It was her wedding anniversary-one magical year since she married the man of her dreams. The man she loved with all her heart, her entire being.

She still remembered how it all started. They met as teenagers in high school. Tessa had always struggled with mathematics, and after failing yet another test, her teacher gave her one last chance to retake it.

Tamlin, being the sweetest guy ever, had offered to help her study, and somewhere in between solving equations and late-night tutoring sessions, she had fallen for him.

Her heart had nearly burst with joy when he asked her out, and of course, she had said yes. They had been inseparable ever since.

And now, here they were-celebrating their first year of marital bliss. She wanted to make this day extra special.

She had spent hours preparing their favorite dishes, a mix of American and Italian cuisine. Every single meal Tamlin loved, she made it. The kitchen was filled with rich, mouthwatering aromas, and as she stepped back to admire her work, she sighed in exhaustion but smiled in satisfaction.

"I should really consider becoming a chef," she chuckled, wiping her hands on her apron.

Next, she moved to the dining table, setting it up in the most romantic way possible-candles, flowers, fine wine-everything was perfect.

When she finished, she slipped her phone out of her apron and dialed Tamlin's number.

Once... no answer.

Twice... still nothing.

Third time... voicemail.

She frowned slightly but quickly shook off the feeling. He was probably busy, maybe caught up in a meeting. He'd call her back later.

Still, she wanted to text him-he always responded to her texts.

-Hey! I miss you so much. I can't wait for tonight! I made all your favorites. Come home early, okay?

She hit send, a small smile playing on her lips.

Just as she was about to put her phone away, her eyes caught the time, and she gasped.

"Shoot, it's almost time!" She ripped off her apron and rushed out of the kitchen.

--

After a few minutes, Tessa stepped out of the room, now dressed in one of Tamlin's favorites. A black strapped dress that stopped mid-thigh-simple, yet elegant.

She hadn't bothered with anything underneath, anticipation warming her skin. A blush crept up her cheeks at the thought.

"You look so pretty in this dress... I want to always see you wear it."

Tamlin's sweet voice echoed in her head, bringing a small smile to her lips.

She skipped makeup-he never liked it on her anyway,-settling for just a light layer of pink lip gloss. Running her fingers through her hair, she tousled it into a messy, effortless look before heading to the dining table.

Her fingers curled around her phone as she checked for a reply. Nothing.

Still busy, she reassured herself. She took a seat, trying to be patient.

Seconds turned into minutes.

Minutes into hours.

The food had gone cold, but that wasn't the real problem. Her phone sat heavy in her hand, untouched by any notification. She had checked it so many times that she started wondering if it was even working.

With a sigh, she dialed Dominic. He picked up on the second ring.

"What's with the night call, chipmunk?" Dominic groaned sleepily. "Aren't you supposed to be having the time of your life with your man?"

She forced a laugh, but it sounded off. "Nothing happened, I just wanted to check if my phone is malfunctioning."

"Why? Didn't you just buy it?" His voice carried a hint of curiosity.

"It's nothing..."

She hesitated before asking, "Is Tamlin with you?"

"No, he's not here. Have you tried calling him?"

Before she could respond, Tamlin's name lit up her screen. Relief flooded her as she quickly answered.

"I'm sorry, babe. I can't make it tonight. Boss wants us to work late."

His male voice came through the otherside, steady. Too steady.

"What? Why today of all days?" she exclaimed. "Can't you talk to him? You've been working nonstop, he should at least let you have tonight to yourself!"

"I'm sorry, princess. I tried, but you know how busy we get when we're developing a new game. I promise I'll make it up to you."

"When? Today is our anniversary, Tamlin! It's not something that can be pushed to another day!"

"We'll always be together, so what's the big deal about missing one night?" Anger lacing his voice.

Her breath hitched. His words stung.

"It's our first anniversary, Tamlin! It only happens once! We can't redo this!" she snapped.

There was a beat of silence. Then, in a colder tone, he muttered, "I don't have time for this."

The call cut off.

Tessa bit her lip, regret seeping in. Had she been too pushy? Maybe she should have been more understanding. She sighed and went to redial him, only to realize-

He hadn't ended the call.

"I'm sor-" she started, but then she heard it.

A soft, feminine laugh.

"Stop it, stop!"

Her heart stopped.

That voice... Yasmin.

The beeping sound echoed in her ear, signaling that the call had ended.

No. She was imagining things. It couldn't be Yasmin. It couldn't.

Yasmin had been her best friend since childhood. They went to the same middle school, the same high school. Tessa had always supported her, even when Yasmin had no real interest in school. She just wanted to relax and let the money come to her. Tessa used to laugh at her theory, but she made sure it happened.

She gave Yasmin a position in her company as her personal assistant, even when there were far more qualified candidates. Yasmin barely did anything, but Tessa made sure she got paid well.

And this... this was how Yasmin repaid her?

A strangled breath caught in her throat as a fresh wave of tears rolled down her cheeks.

Tamlin.

How could he?

After everything she had done for him-every single thing. Was it money? Clothes? A better life? She had given him her all.

No. This had to be a misunderstanding.

Maybe it was all a silly joke, a prank... maybe he wanted to see her reaction.

A shaky, forced laugh tore from her lips.

"Tamlin's so funny," she muttered.

She grabbed her car keys with trembling fingers and stormed out of the house.

The drive to Yasmin's place was a blur. Her vision was hazy with tears, her hands gripping the wheel too tight. She almost ran a red light, barely missed colliding with another car, but she didn't care.

When she pulled up in Yasmin's driveway, her stomach clenched.

Tamlin's car was parked outside.

Her heart stilled.

She stepped out, sucking in a sharp breath. "It's not what you're thinking, Tessa," she whispered to herself. "It can't be."

Her feet felt like lead as she approached the door, her hands trembling when she reached for the doorknob.

The door creaked open.

Her steps were slow, hesitant. The living room was dimly lit, but it didn't take much to see.

Tamlin's clothes.

His shoes.

His phone.

She reached for it with stiff fingers, turning on the screen. Her texts, her calls-unanswered.

Her stomach twisted violently.

With a sharp inhale, she flung the phone against the wall. It shattered on impact, pieces scattering across the floor.

A deep, sickening feeling settled in her gut.

She took the stairs two at a time, her heart pounding against her ribs. The closer she got, the clearer the sounds became.

Moans.

Breathless gasps.

Skin against skin.

Her stomach lurched.

"Ohhh... don't... stop!" Yasmin's voice-needy, desperate.

The world tilted beneath her feet.

She didn't hesitate.

With all her strength, she shoved the door open-so hard it nearly broke.

The sight before her made her stomach churn.

Tamlin.

Yasmin.

Naked. Tangled together on the bed.

Tessa's vision blurred, her breath caught in her throat. For a moment, she couldn't speak, couldn't move. Her entire body trembled as the weight of betrayal crashed down on her.

Then, the words tore from her lips before she could stop them.

"What the actual fuck!?"

The room went still.

Tamlin froze. Yasmin's eyes snapped open in shock.

Tessa's hands clenched into fists at her sides, her nails digging into her palms.

This wasn't a prank. It wasn't a misunderstanding.

It was real.

"Tess... What are you doing here?" Yasmin's voice was barely above a whisper.

Tessa's chest rose and fell heavily. Her hands trembled at her sides, but her voice came out cold.

"So this is what you do?" she asked, her voice cracking from emotion. "All those late-night meetings, weekend business trips... Everything was a lie?"

Yasmin scoffed, flipping her hair back. "So what? Did you think the world revolved around you? You grew up rich, had everything you wanted with the snap of a finger. Did you really think I wasn't jealous?"

Tessa didn't even look at her. Her burning gaze was fixed on Tamlin. "Tamlin, I asked you a question."

He exhaled sharply, his expression indifferent. "I don't think I owe you an explanation."

Tessa's breath hitched.

"I don't love you," Tamlin continued, his tone void of remorse. "I never did. It's always been Yasmin, ever since high school. I never cared about you-I just wanted your money."

A sharp, bitter laugh tore from her throat.

She was a fool.

A damn fool.

Yasmin and Tamlin exchanged uneasy glances, watching her closely as if she had lost her mind.

Then, in one swift motion, Tessa grabbed a wine bottle from the nearby table and smashed it against the wall.

Glass rained down, slicing into her skin, but she didn't flinch.

Her vision blurred with fury, her heart pounding like a war drum.

Without hesitation, she charged at Tamlin, aiming for his chest.

She missed.

But the jagged glass plunged into his stomach instead.

His eyes widened in shock, blood spilling onto her hands, staining her fingers, her dress-everything.

Tessa leaned in, her voice a chilling whisper.

"Take your fucking love to hell."

And then, she pushed the glass deeper.

Hurt. Used. Broken.

Those were the only words to describe how Tessa felt. She stood frozen, staring at Tamlin's bleeding wound, unable to look away.

Who would have thought the man she loved so deeply would betray her like this? That the best friend she trusted with everything would stab her in the back?

How quickly everything had changed.

Now, here she was, blood staining her hands, eyes locked on Tamlin's body as his wound bled heavily.

A horrified shriek shattered the silence.

"Ahhhhhhh!" Yasmin screamed.

Tamlin's gaze flickered with something dark-rage, amusement, something she couldn't place. He gritted his teeth, tearing the bedsheet from the mattress and pressing it against his wound to slow the bleeding. Then, despite his injury, he took a step toward her.

"Oh, Tessa," he said, his voice laced with mockery. "Did you really think you could kill me that easily?"

Tessa's grip tightened on the shattered bottle. Out of pure impulse, she swung at him again, aiming for his chest.

She wasn't fast enough.

Tamlin caught her wrist mid-air, twisting it sharply to the side. Pain shot up her arm as she staggered back, the broken glass slipping from her fingers.

"Arghhh," she groaned, clenching her jaw.

Before she could react, his other hand struck her face-hard. The impact sent her crashing onto the floor. Her golden locs spilled across the ground, sharp glass cutting into her chin, drawing fresh blood.

Her vision blurred. Pain exploded through her skull. Her lip was busted.

Tamlin took slow, calculated steps toward her, his expression unreadable.

His eyes held nothing but anger and deep resentment. He wanted to kill her-but then he changed his mind.

He had other plans for her.

When he approached her, he crouched down, grabbing a handful of her locs and yanking her head up.

He caught sight of her tears, and laughter erupted from his throat.

Yasmin gasped.

This wasn't the man she knew. This wasn't her Tamlin.

"You look so pathetic, Tess." His smirk widened, his voice filled with cruelty. "I told you I was working late, but you just had to interfere. And now... you'll probably die for it."

He tightened his grip, yanking her up roughly-

A sharp kick sent Tamlin flying across the room.

His body slammed into the wall with a loud thud, photo frames crashing to the ground.

Dominic stood there, chest heaving, his fists clenched. His eyes darted to the petite figure on the floor-Tessa. She wasn't moving.

Panic surged through him.

Tamlin, still slumped against the wall, smirked. "I'm sure you're happy now. She might just date you next." He sneered.

Dominic ignored him. He crouched down and carefully lifted Tessa into his arms. Her blood soaked into his shirt, but he didn't care. His only focus was her.

He turned on his heel and walked out.

Tamlin clenched his jaw, turning to Yasmin. "Get dressed. We're going to the hospital."

She nodded, scrambling to grab his clothes.

---

[Hospital – Private Ward]

Dominic sat beside the hospital bed, his eyes fixed on Tessa's unconscious figure.

Her brows twitched. Her lips parted, trying to form words- her eyes tightly shut.

Then, barely above a whisper-"Tamlin..." she called.

Her body suddenly convulsed.

Dominic's heart stopped.

Panic shot through him, and he bolted from the room, shouting for the doctors.

By the time they rushed in, Tessa was awake-but different.

Her expression was empty. Hollow.

Like something inside her had died.

Dominic slowly stepped forward. "Tessa..." He called her name softly.

She turned her head, blinking at him. Then, without hesitation, she widened her arms.

He didn't think twice before pulling her into a warm embrace. She needed this. A moment of comfort.

A doctor wanted to intervene, but the others stopped him telling him that this wasn't the time- they all left leaving just Tessa and Dominic.

They stayed like that for minutes before she finally pulled away, her eyes red and swollen from crying.

Dominic cupped her cheek, searching her face. "What happened?" His voice was gentle.

Tessa took a shaky breath. Her voice was barely audible. "He cheated."

Dominic's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"He cheated on me. And left me for Yasmin." Her tone turned bitter, but her voice cracked with pain.

Dominic stiffened. Tamlin... cheated?

The memory replayed in her head-Tamlin. Yasmin. Their bodies tangled in bed.

Her stomach churned. She squeezed her eyes shut, gripping her temples as a sharp pain shot through her skull.

"I loved him." Her voice broke. "I loved him so damn much. I wanted to have his children. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. And he cheated on me?"

She sucked in a breath, rage and heartbreak twisting inside her like a knife.

"I disobeyed my mother for him. I got disowned for him. I gave him everything I had. And he had the audacity to betray me?"

Dominic remained silent. He didn't know what to say-how to fix this.

She felt sad, angry, betrayed and pained- her emotions all over the place.

Tessa let out a broken laugh, fresh tears streaming down her cheeks. "I thought he loved me. But all he ever wanted was my money."

Her voice cracked.

Dominic clenched his jaw, his hands curling into fists. That bastard.

Tessa's shoulders trembled as another sob wracked through her body.

"I'm sorry, Chipmunk." Dominic whispered, pulling her into his arms again. "I'm so damn sorry."

She clung to him, soaking his shirt with her tears.

Dominic held her tighter. He didn't care.

He just wanted her to be okay.

__

Tamlin and Yasmin stepped out of the hospital, the cold night air brushing against their skin. His wound had been treated, and the doctors said he was lucky-the stab hadn't reached his kidneys.

Lucky.

The word irritated him. He shouldn't have been stabbed in the first place.

The silence between them was deafening as they walked toward the car. Yasmin stole glances at him, her mind racing. What will Ash say?

When they reached the car, Tamlin opened the door for her before sliding into the driver's seat.

The moment he shut the door, Yasmin spoke, her voice urgent.

"We need to call the police!" Worry laced her tone as she turned to face him.

Tamlin didn't react. He simply reached for his seatbelt, fastening it with an infuriating calmness.

"Why would we do that?" he asked, his voice eerily composed.

Yasmin gaped at him. Was he serious?

"She almost killed you, Tamlin! What if she tries again? What if-"

"She won't." His voice was firm, cutting through her panic.

Yasmin's brows furrowed. "You don't know that! We need to have her arrested before it's too late! I won't be able to bear it if anything happens to you!"

Tamlin sighed before lifting his hand and tapping her forehead.

"Silly girl." His tone was laced with amusement, but his eyes gleamed with something darker.

"We're not calling the police."

"What? Why?!" she blurted.

He finally turned to her, a smirk playing on his lips. "We need to get her money first."

Yasmin's breath hitched.

"I told you, I have plans for her. So chill." His voice dipped lower, like a devil whispering a deadly promise.

"Once I take everything from her..." He exhaled slowly, his smirk widening. "I'll make sure she disappears. Forever."

Yasmin's heartbeat quickened.

"Promise?" she asked hesitantly.

Tamlin leaned in and pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead.

"I promise."

And with that, he started the car and drove off into the night.

___

[Dominic's House]

"Gently, gently."

Dominic's firm yet careful grip steadied Tessa as he helped her out of the car. Her ankle throbbed-a painful reminder of Tamlin's slap and the fall that followed.

With slow steps, they reached the front door. Dominic pushed it open and led her inside.

The second they stepped in, his eyes darted to the couch-where his clothes were scattered. His face turned crimson.

He rushed over, snatching them up in a panic.

"Sorry..." he muttered, awkwardly stuffing them behind his back.

Tessa couldn't help but smile at his flustered state.

"Sit." His voice was more of a command than a request.

She obeyed, wincing slightly as she sank into the chair.

Dominic wasted no time. He hurried upstairs to drop off his clothes, muttering something about needing a shower.

Tessa exhaled and leaned back. She reached for the remote and switched on the TV, hoping the noise would drown out the memories of tonight.

For a moment, she let herself get lost in the flickering screen.

Then-

A loud knock shattered the silence.

Tessa stiffened.

"Dom? Dom!" she called out.

No response.

He was probably in the shower. He did say he felt itchy earlier.

With a small sigh, she pushed herself up, her ankle screaming in protest. Each step was agonizing, but she forced herself to move, her feet dragging across the floor.

Finally, she reached the door and pulled it open.

"Dom, I brought some-"

Andrew froze.

The moment his eyes landed on her, his expression darkened.

"You."

Tessa swallowed hard.

"Andrew..."

His gaze hardened. "What are you doing here?"

She opened her mouth, but the words refused to come out.

"I...I" she stammered

"You what?" His voice was sharp, edged with resentment. "Do you intend to break his heart again?"

Tessa flinched.

Andrew was Dominic's younger brother. His hatred for her started from the very day he met her but it doubled when she called off the engagement leaving Dominic heart broken.

"Leave. You have nothing to do with him after what you did."

Andrew's rage burned through his every word.

She swallowed back the lump in her throat. "I already apologized... Why can't you forgive me?"

"Are you a child?, do you think an apology can solve everything?" He asked his anger boiling.

Tessa didn't speak anymore she just stood there, motionless like a statue.

Andrew scoffed. "I said get the fuck out."

His words sliced through her like a blade.

"I don't want you anywhere near him."

Her lips trembled. She glanced at him one last time before turning away, limping into the night.

Andrew exhaled, then plopped down onto the couch, flipping the channel. He acted as if nothing had happened.

Minutes later, Dominic came downstairs, his damp hair dripping onto his shirt.

"Hey, Tessa. What do you feel like eating?" he asked absentmindedly, scrolling through his phone.

Silence.

His head snapped up.

No sign of her.

His stomach dropped.

"Where's Tessa?" he asked, eyes narrowing.

Andrew didn't even glance up.

"I chased her out." His tone was casual.

Dominic went rigid.

"What do you mean, you chased her out? Are you insane?!" His voice was sharp, furious.

Andrew shrugged. "She's wounded, not dead. She couldn't have gone far."

Dominic's eyes blazed.

"If I don't find her, I swear to God, I'll kill you."

And with that, he stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

---

Somewhere in the Night

Tessa sat on the pavement, her arms wrapped around herself.

She was hungry. Weak. Alone.

Going home wasn't an option. She couldn't bear the ghosts of her memories with Tamlin.

So instead, she tilted her head back, gazing at the sky.

The stars twinkled down at her, indifferent to her pain.

She lifted a trembling hand, reaching for them, as if by some miracle, she could touch the light.

For a brief moment, she smiled.

Then-

A black van pulled up beside her.

Panic rushed through her veins.

She tried to run-

Something sharp pierced her neck.

Her vision blurred.

Her body wavered, then collapsed.

A figure stepped out of the van, his face shrouded in darkness.

Without hesitation, he lifted her limp body and disappeared into the vehicle.

The van sped off.

Tessa was gone.

Where could she be?

Dominic groaned in frustration, raking his fingers through his hair and sweeping the strands back. His pulse pounded with unease.

"Maybe she went to her mother's house..." The thought struck him, and without wasting another second, he started the car and sped off.

When he arrived, he barely waited for the engine to shut off before stepping out. His strides were quick, purposeful. The maids and servants greeted him as he passed, but he didn't acknowledge them.

He pushed the door open without knocking.

Janet sat in the dimly lit room, dressed in modest yet elegant attire, a steaming cup of tea in her hands. She took a slow sip, the movement deliberate, almost regal.

Her gaze lifted lazily as he barged in, barely lingering on him before she set the cup down.

"What happened, son? What brings you here at this hour?" she asked, her voice calm, yet tinged with mild surprise.

Dominic didn't waste time. "Did Tessa come here?" Urgency laced his tone.

Janet's lips curled into a smirk. "Who's Tessa?" she asked mockingly.

His patience snapped. "Stop playing games, Janet! Tessa-your only child-is missing! She's been kidnapped! Drop the damn pride and help me!"

Janet leaned back, unimpressed. "And so? What if she's kidnapped?"

Dominic's hands clenched into fists. "Are you serious right now?!"

Janet exhaled, shaking her head. "Did she think about me when she walked out of this house, telling me she wanted nothing to do with me? All for that pathetic excuse of a husband?"

Dominic's jaw tightened. "She just wanted to be happy. Why can't you let go of your grudge?"

Janet scoffed. "Forgive and forget? Please."

Dominic let out a bitter laugh, his eyes filled with disappointment. "Forget it. I won't waste my breath." He turned on his heels and stormed out.

The moment the door shut behind him, Janet picked up her phone and dialed a number.

"Send some guards to search the city for Tessa and don't come back until you find her." Her voice was cold, clipped.

Hanging up, she leaned back, rubbing her forehead.

"Oh, stupid Tessa..." she muttered under her breath.

___

[Abandoned Warehouse]

Darkness. Pain. Silence.

Tessa's head throbbed, the dull ache radiating down her neck. Her body felt broken, bound tightly to a chair, her wrists and ankles digging into rough ropes. A thick cloth gag pressed against her lips, the taste of fabric and dried blood making her stomach churn.

The room smelled of damp wood and dust, a dim light flickering from above.

Then, footsteps.

Slow. Measured.

A shadow loomed before her.

Tamlin.

He stepped into the light, dressed in a dark shirt, his sleeves rolled up, exposing the bandages wrapped around his forearm. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes-those same brown eyes she once adored-held nothing but cruel amusement.

He crouched in front of her, tilting his head like he was admiring a fragile piece of art. Then, his fingers gripped her chin, forcing her to look at him.

"You're awake," he murmured. "Good."

Tessa let out a muffled sound, jerking against the restraints.

Tamlin chuckled, running his thumb along her bruised cheek. "Still so stubborn."

His fingers moved to the knot at the back of her head, loosening the cloth. The gag fell away, damp with her saliva.

She coughed, her throat burning. Air rushed into her lungs in shallow, ragged gasps.

"You bastard," she rasped.

Tamlin's smirk widened. "That's the first thing you say to me?" He stood, rolling his shoulders lazily. "I expected something more... grateful. After all, I kept you alive."

Tessa spat blood onto the floor. "Go to hell."

He let out a slow sigh. "Already there, darling. And now, you're here with me."

He turned to a small desk, flipping open a thick folder before dropping it onto her lap.

TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP.

Her stomach turned to stone.

It was everything-her properties, her businesses, her life's work.

"Sign it."

Tessa clenched her fists. "You're insane if you think I'm giving you anything."

Tamlin sighed, shaking his head in mock disappointment. "I was hoping you'd be reasonable, Tessa."

He reached to the side, opened a cabinet, and pulled something out.

A metal rod.

Tessa's pulse spiked.

Tamlin tested its weight in his hands, tapping it lightly against his palm before turning back to her.

"You don't get to say no," he murmured.

The first strike came before she could brace herself.

Pain exploded through her thigh, sharp and merciless. A strangled cry tore from her lips.

Her body jerked, but the ropes held her down.

Tamlin watched her writhe, his expression unreadable. "Sign the papers, Tessa."

Her breath came in ragged gasps. Tears burned her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. "Go to hell."

Another blow.

Tessa let out a broken sob.

Tamlin crouched beside her again, his voice eerily soft. "The sooner you sign, the sooner this ends."

She met his gaze through blurry vision, her body trembling. But she wouldn't-couldn't-give in.

Not yet.

___

[Hours Later]

Tamlin watched her, impatience creeping into his features. He had done everything-every method of persuasion he knew. And yet, Tessa still wouldn't break.

But he knew one thing that would.

Dominic.

"Why didn't I do this earlier?"

Tessa lifted her head weakly, golden hair stained in blood.

Tamlin slipped his phone from his pocket, tapping the screen a few times before holding it up to her.

Her blurry vision focused.

A gun pressed against Dominic's head.

Tessa's body froze.

"You're a monster," she choked out.

Tamlin chuckled darkly. "Now you choose. Your properties... or Dominic?"

His smirk widened. "Choose wisely, darling."

Tessa's breath came in short, panicked gasps.

There was nothing she could do.

She had lost so much already.

But she couldn't lose Dominic.

Her lips trembled. "I... I'll sign it."

Tamlin's grin stretched. He stepped forward, brushing a bloodied strand of hair from her face. "Good girl."

He turned to his men. "Unchain her."

The ropes loosened, falling away. Tessa's body slumped forward, her limbs stiff from the restraints.

The guards hauled her up, dragging her to the table.

A pen was placed in her hand.

Tears blurred her vision as she scrawled her name onto the papers.

A single drop of blood-streaked tears hit the page.

Tamlin took the documents, his smirk widening.

"Finally."

Then, he turned away.

"Chain her again. I'm not done yet."

Tessa's eyes widened. "I gave you what you wanted!"

Tamlin only laughed as the guards dragged her back into the darkness.

___

Thud.

The sound of a body hitting the ground echoed through the silent night, followed by the sharp screech of tires against the asphalt.

Dominic groaned, his head pounding as he blinked rapidly, trying to clear his vision. The world around him swayed slightly, and for a moment, he struggled to remember where he was.

"What the hell...?" he muttered, pushing himself up. His clothes were slightly disheveled, dirt smudging the fabric. He winced as he straightened, rolling his shoulders.

Had he fallen asleep?

He glanced around, his car parked haphazardly nearby, engine still running.

"Maybe I dozed off..." He rubbed his temples, frustration settling in. But he couldn't afford to rest-not now.

Not when Tessa was missing.

The mere thought sent a fresh wave of urgency through him. He shook off the lingering dizziness, climbed into the driver's seat, and slammed the door shut. The car roared to life as he pressed the accelerator, speeding toward the next place that came to mind.

Tamlin's house.

---

Inside Tamlin's Mansion

Laughter filled the lavishly decorated living room, the air thick with the scent of expensive champagne. Yasmin twirled the glass in her hand, watching as the golden liquid swirled under the dim chandelier lights.

Tamlin sat across from her, his lips curling into a smirk as he lifted his own drink.

"To victory," he said smoothly, clinking his glass against hers.

"To finally getting what we deserve," Yasmin added, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

Tamlin leaned back, exhaling contentedly. "All these years, she thought she was untouchable. Thought she could walk away unscathed."

Yasmin chuckled. "And now? Everything she owned... is ours."

Tamlin tilted his head. "She should've just listened. Would've saved herself the trouble."

Yasmin's smile widened. "But then we wouldn't have had this much fun, would we?"

Tamlin hummed in agreement, taking another sip.

A sudden loud bang echoed through the house.

The doors flung open.

Dominic stormed in.

His breath was ragged, eyes burning with fury as he took in the scene before him-Tamlin lounging comfortably, Yasmin beside him, both of them celebrating like they hadn't just destroyed someone's life.

"Where is she?" His voice was low, but the venom in it was unmistakable.

Tamlin barely spared him a glance. "You barge into my house without an invitation... and demand answers?" He scoffed, swirling the drink in his glass. "How bold."

Dominic clenched his fists. "Don't play games with me, Tamlin. Where. Is. Tessa?"

Tamlin feigned confusion, turning to Yasmin with a smirk. "Do you hear something? Because all I hear is a desperate man grasping at straws."

Yasmin laughed softly.

Dominic took a threatening step forward. "Tell me where she is, or so help me, I-"

Tamlin sighed dramatically, setting his glass down. "You really should learn to control that temper of yours, Dominic. It's... unflattering."

"Enough bullshit!" Dominic lunged forward, his patience snapping like a brittle thread. But before he could lay a finger on Tamlin, two guards intercepted him.

Thick arms locked around his shoulders, restraining him as he thrashed.

"You son of a-"

Tamlin stood, slowly buttoning his cuffs as he approached Dominic with measured steps. "You should leave while you still can. I'm in a good mood tonight, so I'll let this slide. But push me... and I'll make sure you regret it."

Dominic growled, struggling against the guards, but they were stronger. Tamlin leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a whisper.

"She's gone, Dominic. And she's never coming back."

Rage flared in Dominic's eyes, but before he could react, the guards shoved him backward.

With a rough kick, he was thrown out of the house.

Dominic stumbled, barely catching himself as the heavy doors slammed shut behind him. His breaths came in ragged, uneven gasps.

His fists tightened until his nails dug into his palms. Tamlin had lied. He knew it. He could see it in his smug face.

Cursing under his breath, Dominic staggered to his feet. His jaw tightened as he wiped the blood from his lip, his mind racing.

Tessa was still missing.

And this wasn't over.

But for now, he needed to go home. He was exhausted.

___

Tamlin swirled the amber liquid in his glass, a slow smirk spreading across his face. He leaned back into the plush couch, watching the ice clink softly against the glass as he took a sip.

"That fool is still so helplessly in love with her?" he scoffed, shaking his head in amusement.

Yasmin let out a soft giggle, pressing herself against his chest, her fingers tracing lazy patterns over his shirt. "Dominic always was pathetic," she murmured, her lips grazing his jaw.

Tamlin hummed in agreement, his free hand resting possessively on her waist.

"What about Vernon?" she asked, her tone shifting slightly. "Will the money be enough to pay him?"

Tamlin's smirk deepened. He placed his glass down, running a hand through his hair. "That's where Tessa becomes useful," he mused, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "I still owe him twenty million dollars. Instead of paying, I give him Tessa as collateral."

Yasmin's eyes gleamed with delight. She tilted her head, her lips curling into a wicked smile before capturing his in a deep kiss.

When she pulled away, her voice was laced with admiration. "You're so damn smart," she purred. "And it'll be easy, too. I heard Vernon loves anything under a skirt."

Tamlin chuckled darkly, taking another slow sip of his drink.

"Then it's settled."